Cayenne Diesel in 2009

[svandamme]

http://www.demorgen.be/dm/nl/996/Economie/article/detail/497925/2008/11/21/Porsche-Cayenne-dieselt-vanaf-februari.dhtml

Audi based 240 hp 3-liter V6 550nm torque
Porsche signed with Audi for 15000 units

244 gram CO per km... which is a major reason for doing so as manufacturers need to get their average CO emissions down across the production/model lineup

[Dottore]

...I seem to recall an interview with Wiedeking as recently as last year in which he claimed that Porsche will never pursue diesel engine options....

[dd74]

Yeah - I've seen the V-10 Touraq (sp?), which is a beast o' power + fuel efficiency. Haven't seen the Audi. But I hear it goes 0-60 in 5.5 seconds.

Porsche can say what it wants about not pursuing diesel, but it's a very wise choice if not at least for the consumer. I don't think you'll see a diesel-powered 9-series, but in an SUV, it's a no-brainer.

Maybe they'll put one in the Carrera GT.

[the]

I had heard so much about the Mercedes diesels. I drove an 05-ish (maybe an 06) E320 CDI the other day. Definitely nice torque, and much smoother than the old Mercedes diesels. But there was still no doubt that it was a diesel, the engine just isn't as smooth as a gas engine and you can still hear the "diesely" sound. Seems like a good engine for an SUV, maybe even a Mercedes sedan, but not so sure about a Porsche.

[notfarnow]

Originally Posted by the

I had heard so much about the Mercedes diesels. I drove an 05-ish (maybe an 06) E320 CDI the other day. Definitely nice torque, and much smoother than the old Mercedes diesels. But there was still no doubt that it was a diesel, the engine just isn't as smooth as a gas engine and you can still hear the "diesely" sound. Seems like a good engine for an SUV, maybe even a Mercedes sedan, but not so sure about a Porsche.

I'm surprised to read that... I have heard nothing but RAVE reviews about the 320 cdi engine. Then again, most of what I've read comes from diesel heads, so there's a predisposition there.

My '99 has the indirect injection om606 diesel. It is a great engine, and was a real mind-bender the first time I drove it. DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, turbocharged. Idles like a Cummins and revs like an Alfa. I've heard that the 320CDI common rail is a huge improvement over even the om606

[the]

yeah, I think a lot depends on your perspective. No doubt, the 320CDI was impressive - starts right up, absolutely no smoke or smell, and no major diesel rattle. But it is still a diesel, esp. at idle.

I like the idea of it, I'm semi-trying to convince my wife on the 320CDI. She heard it idling and didn't much care for the sound or the feel. She'd rather just have an E550.

[DavidB911]

Why would it be a good buy if diesel is ~$1.00 more than gas currently? I know diesels get better mpg usually. i just don't know about diesels.

[porsche4life]

Lets see in a p/u a diesel will get better mpg and perform better under load than a gas burner. Not to mention longer lasting motor. Gee I dont know why a diesel is a good idea.
In a car they drive comparably and sometimes quicker and get better mpg. My moms 01 bug diesel 5spd was dayum quick and would get 50mpg. Again I dont see the downside.

[dd74]

We have an '07 Mercedes 320 CDI, and it is by far as smooth as the 350 gasoline version - I've driven both.

You truly have to listen for the diesel sound of the 320 CDI at idle to hear any perceptible noise. The turbo whistle is by far the loudest sound from the engine.

If presented with the V6 gas or diesel version of the Mercedes, hands down the diesel version trumps the gas. Particularly with torque and fuel economy. The power is just wicked...

[oldE]

I was disappointed to see the article was about the Cayenne. I was hoping it would have described a Cayman with the above described diesel. Just think of the torque and the drive out of the corners. That chassis and a 6 speed DSG. Mmmm.

But then again, I'm one of the 'Diesel Heads'.

I remember a few decades ago reading a statement in an auto mag; "North Americans talk horsepower but they drive torque."

Les

[Soterik]

Originally Posted by dd74

We have an '07 Mercedes 320 CDI, and it is by far as smooth as the 350 gasoline version - I've driven both.

You truly have to listen for the diesel sound of the 320 CDI at idle to hear any perceptible noise. The turbo whistle is by far the loudest sound from the engine.

If presented with the V6 gas or diesel version of the Mercedes, hands down the diesel version trumps the gas. Particularly with torque and fuel economy. The power is just wicked...

What kind of mileage are you getting? Highway?

tks,
Eric

[dd74]

In the mid 30s highway, which is better than advertised from M-B.

Granted, the ML 320 has a large tank. I think 25 gallons.

We can drive from L.A. to S.F. and back on maybe one tank of diesel.

Sure, it looks cute and what-not - but it's a workhorse.

I pulled this for whomever is interested. The ML 320 diesels cost a lot less than when we bought ours.

http://www.internetautoguide.com/usedcars/14-int/2008/mercedes-benz/m-class/california/costa-mesa/21806175/2/index.html?filter=RadiusSearchDistanceFromPostalCo de|90001|RadiusSearchPostalCode|90001|RadiusSearch Radius|300|VehicleMake|Mercedes-Benz|VehicleModel|M-Class|VehicleSubmodel|ML320+CDI|VehicleUsedInclude CarsDotCom|1|&sortby=ProductGroupId|RadiusSearchDistanceFromPost alCode|&index=0&pagenum=1&sourcePageType=drill_mms&numListings=15&nopaging=false

The one in Costa Mesa is the one to get. Very low miles on it.

[dzls rok]

[plain fan]

I think diesel is the way to go and would be willing to try a diesel in the cayenne. Audi has already proven that diesel is a viable alternative fuel for a sports car if engineered properly. If I had the means, and Audi actually produces it, I would put a deposit down a v12 tdi R8!